There are thousands of opportunities for science teachers to participate in workshops and classes that broaden science knowledge, pedagogical knowledge, or both. Some offer graduate credit, others offer Continuing Education Units (CEU’s), and some will even pay you for participating. Many of them include outdoor adventures or exposure to new technology or exciting lab experiences. On this page, you will find a sample of the opportunities available.
1. Zoo Atlanta offers periodic workshops for which PLU's can be earned. Some of these workshops are free and others charge a fee. Recently a free workshop was offered on animal behavior. Another workshop is currently being offered on animal habitats around the world. The workshops include interaction with animals and a behind the scenes look at the zoo. Check out the following site periodically to see what is being offered or call the listed number. http://www.zooatlanta.org/education_staff_development.htm.
2. There is a wonderful GA Department of Education webpage that gives a ton of opportunities and workshops that teachers can use to advance their professional learning, which I'll put at the end of my second post. The Georgia Aquarium offers the Remote Operated Vehicle Workshop where teachers will learn and be introduced to using an ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle). Teachers will be introduced to the technology behind ROVs and how they are used to explore and research the ocean floor. Teachers will also get to build a ROV out of PVC pipe and test it in a marine setting. The workshop will also focus on encorporating the technology and its future in a high school classroom. The workshop is worth 1 PLU (professional learning unit) and the course ID is D983DA-BF92. The course is held in a classroom at the Ga Aquarium. The category for the workshop is Science and the content is Middle grades and Secondary. Contact info: Mrs. Kimberely Morris- Zarneke email: kzarneke@georgiaaquarium.org
3. At Gwinnett Southern University - College of Education, they offer a workshop called "Teaching with CBL Technology in High School and Middle School Science Classes". The workshop incorporates activities that involve using CBL technology (Computer/Calculator based laboratories) in science classrooms. Some activities will be teahcer demonstration and some activities will be hands-on activities. Both the chemistry and physical science GPS will be addressed in the workshop. The workshop is focused towards high school teachers but since physical science is taught in middle schools, middle school science teachers are welcome as well and biology and physics will be addressed if time permits. The category for the class is science and the content is focused toward middle school and high school teachers. The course ID is F69171-7007 and it is worth 3 Professional Learning Units. The class takes place in a classroom setting at Georgia Southern in Statesboro. Contact info: The program director is Mary Egger and her email is megger@georgiasouthern.edu. The website where I found this is: http://admin.doe.k12.ga.us/gadoe/StaffDev.nsf/MainFrameWeb?OpenFrameset
4. At University of Georgia. Offers a variety of courses online geared toward those that may be struggling with disciplinary problems or difficult kids in the classroom. For K-13 general or special education teachers. The independent study format allows you to start at any time and study at your convenience. Successfull completion of each course yields 1 CEU from the University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education as well as 1 PLU from the Dept. of Education, College of Education, UGA. Go to: http://www.georgiacenter.uga.edu/is/coe/index.phtml or call 706-542-6692.
5. Annenberg Media exhibits offers a wide variety of workshops based on their video programs. Annenberg Media is a unit of The Annenberg Foundation. Their mission is to advance excellent teaching in all disciplines throughout American K-12 schools. Former names of Annenberg Media are: Annenberg/CPB, The Annenberg/CPB Project, and The Annenberg/CPB Math and Science Project. Their mission is pursued by funding and broadly distributing multimedia resources for teachers to help them improve their own teaching practice and understanding of their subject. Annenberg Media makes use of telecommunications technologies—the Internet, including broadband video streaming, and satellite television broadcast—as well as hard copy media to disseminate these multimedia resources, ensuring that they reach as many teachers as possible. http://www.learner.org/exhibits/.
6. Agnes Scott College is offering a Middle Grades Science workshop this summer. From their website, you can see how this workshop will promote academic learning in the GPS, develop assessment tools, take home lesson plans, and become familiar with technology in the classroom. There is a fee to attend but there is also a stipend available on certain conditions. This exact workshop is currently filled, but they host these all the time. If you want information on the next workshop, please contact them at 404 471-5800, or send e-mails to sciencecenter@agnesscott.edu.
7. The North West Georgia Regional Education Service Agency is committed to providing professional learning that is results-driven, standards-based, and job embedded. Professional learning opportunities focus on improved instruction of our teachers by setting high expectations and standards for the academic and social development of all students. Classes cover topics in assessment, leadership and curriculum, as well as some specific endorsements (ESOL, etc.). http://www.ciclt.net/nwgaresa/main.asp?PT=pl_main&Client=nwgaresa or 7062956198.
8. Project WET Educator Workshops are for all teachers who are interested in bringing environmental education into the classroom. These Workshops can be scheduled upon request by contacting the WET Facilitator nearest you (Facilitator Map). The minimum length of a workshop for certification is 6 hours, but 10 hour workshops are available offering 1 PLU. Registration includes the Project WET Curriculum and Activity Guide, hands-on experience with the activities, and many ideas for implementation.
Here is an exciting workshop in the North Atlanta area already scheduled for mid-July 2007 that is conducted by the National Parks Service at the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area: Wonders of Wetlands Workshop- July 11-12 or July 18-19 with an Optional Chemical Certification on July 20. For further information about Georgia's environmental education outlets, visit http://www.gaprojectwet.org/.
9. Project Learning Tree Workshops are designed to prepare teacher's for further instruction on the topics enviornmental awareness. These workshops are very similar to Project WET, except their main emphasis is on forests, wildlife, water, community planning, waste management, and energy. This program is for grade levels K-12 and can be scheduled by contacting your states PLT Coordinator. For the Georgia Representative, contact Sharon Dolliver dolliver@gfc.state.ga.us or Carla Rapp carla@gfagrow.org for more details.
10. The Georgia Educational Training Agency (GETA) has a number of opportunities to earn PLU credit. This site works in conjunction with the Georgia Department of Education to provide instructional activities and strategies to better prepare Georgia students. Here, teachers and parents, can sign up for classes to better assist them in the educationg of their students. Teachers can earn PLU credit for a variety of courses including Teaching students with Dyslexia and ADHD and learning the new GPS standards. For more information visit the GETA Website or checkout some PLU courses at their variousNORTH GEORGIA PLU CLASS SITES page.
11. Each spring, a three-year partnership is established between NASA and 50 new NASA Explorer School teams, consisting of teachers and education administrators from diverse communities across the country.NASA invites the selected teams to work with education specialists from NASA centers in an effort to spark innovative science and mathematics instruction for students in grades 4 through 9. NASA Explorer School teams will acquire new teaching resources and technology tools using NASA's unique content, experts and other resources -- to provide exciting learning experiences in science, mathematics and technology for students. They even have grant funds to help funding of the schools new technology.
For more information about the Explorer Schools program visit http://explorerschools.nasa.gov.
12. The National Science Teacher Association has conferences each year and they are available in the southern area. The next southern conference will be held in Charlotte, NC Oct 30- Nov 1 of 2008. These conferences provide teachers with access to presentations, hands on workshops, and so much more. They even have a workshop for first time teachers. It would be of great advantage if you were already a member because it would save you a lot of money. The main conferences page will lead you to the information you need on a particular conference. If you need more help, e-mail conferences@nsta.org or call Beverly Shaw at 703-312-923 or go to www.nsta.org
16. This workshop is offered by the metro RESA. This particular one is about strategies that engage students in reading and writing to comprehend content area. I think we all have found how difficult this issue is to deal with. I think it would be very beneficial. You could go to the list of professional development to see what other workshops interest you. There are some really good ones on classroom management and practice in there. You can visit this website to find out more: http://www.ciclt.net/mresa/main.asp?PT=class_list&Client=mresa . Also if the metro RESA is not one that works for you, you can go to this site http://www.doe.k12.ga.us/tss_school_prolearning.aspx?PageReq=TSSSchoolImpPLRESAS. This is from the Georgia Department of Education and it lists of the different RESA in different areas.
17. This one is a really neat page also from the Department of Education, but specifically their office of professional learning. These are all approved PLU courses, so you don't have to worry about liking a course and not being able to take it because you won't get credit. If you have a particular area of interest you can do a search and find the courses offered. There are several options to narrow down your search. Here is the site http://admin.doe.k12.ga.us/gadoe/StaffDev.nsf/MainFrameWeb?OpenFrameset
18. These workshops are offered by Penn State and NASA. The offer them every summer and are middle and high school teachers. The one that caught my eye was "Evolution-How important is it to Good Science Eduction?" The dates for this are July 22-27th. It seems like it might be little pricey but the do have funding that you can apply for. The workshop is set up to answer the following questions: What is our current understanding and evidence for the theory of evolution? How is evolution central to scientific research? Why is understanding evolution important for a scientifically literate society? and How should teachers address challenges to teaching evolution? If you wnat more info check out this site http://teachscience.psu.edu/.
19. The GSTA (Georgia Science Teachers Association) will hold its annual conference on February 14th-16th. It takes place at UGA and from I have heard is a wonderful event. There are fieldtrips, socials, and conference events. For more info go to this website http://www.georgiascienceteacher.org/.
20. The Georgia Institute of Technology has a wonderful program geared for minority students looking to get into the Math and Sciences, entitled "SECME." Look into the Master Teacher Appointments slated for this month and next. The SECME program has in the past sponsored "paid" teacher workshops and seminars. The website is http://www.secme.org/home/index.html. The address is Georgia Institute of Technology, 151 6th Street NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30332-0270. The phone number is 404 894-3314 or toll free 1888-262-8307. Karen M. Franklin
21. The Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey, California has Educator Programs with stipends and CEU's available. The programs use real world sciences (the Pacific is inches away) and cutting edge research. To register for the program call 831-648-4862 or write to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940. I visited the aquarium and there is a wonderful winery within walking distance. Karen M. Franklin
22. The webpage http://www.nsta.org/pd/institute is through the National Science Teachers Association and provides links to the following four providers of online courses: American Museum of Natural History Seminars on Science, Mississippi State University, Montana State University (NTEN), University of Maryland. These courses are geared towards science teachers and offer graduate credits, graduate degrees and CEU's. The courses cover all areas of science ranging from biology and chemistry courses at University of Maryland to a six week course covering life, earth and physical sciences through the AMNHSS. CHRISTINA CLAUSEN
23. The following are two up coming workshops through Metro RESA and you may go to www.mresa.org to register for either one: Best Practices in Science with a focus on Differentiation (6-12) 7/29 & 7/30 @ Metro RESA, 2 PLU's, Cost is $50 (includes resource book and notebook)
8th Grade Physical Science Boot Camp 7/31 & 8/1 @ Metro RESA, 2 PLU's, Cost is $75 (includes 2 resource books)
CHRISTINA CLAUSEN
24. The Georgia Forestry Foundation offers a workshop for Georgia educators, grades 5-12, based on conservation of Georgia’s forests. While there is a small registration fee of $25, participants receive 3 PLU credits and a $100 gift card (place not specified). The $25 is used to cover participants lodging, food, instructional materials, and transportation to the field trip sites. For more information, you can open a PDF file or by contacting Carla Rapp at 478-992-8110 or carla@gfagrow.org. The main website for the association is www.gfagrow.org. Jennifer Peace 25. GIFT (Georgia Intern-Fellowships for Teachers) is a program operated by Georgia Tech. The opportunity may be anywhere from six to eight weeks, depending on the program. For the Summer of 2008, GIFT joined with Gwinnett Tech to offer internships for teachers to work in labs. This particular opportunity offered 10 professional learning units and a stipend of $728 per week. For more information, you can go to the GIFT webpage or contact the Program Coordinator, Bonnie Harris, at 404-894-7530 or by e-mail at bonnie.harris@ceismc.gatech.edu. Jennifer Peace
26. Georgia State University’s Bio-Bus Program offers a two day teacher workshop entitled Forensic Science and Molecular Biology.
The dates for the workshop are September 15-16 a Monday and Tuesday from 8:30-5:00pm. The topics that will be covered include
Classroom Crime Scenes: how to set one up
Bio-Rad Kits:
Genes in a Bottle
ELISA Immuno Explorer
Forensic DNA Fingerprinting;
Crime Science Investigator PCR Basics
Protein Profiler
Forensic DNA Case examples (Dr. Greg Hampikian)
The location will be at Georgia State University, Room 334 of the Natural Science Center, (50 Decatur Street, Atlanta) The instructors will be Dr. Sherri Andrews, Bio-Rad, Ms. Jane Burke, Luella High School and Dr. Greg Hampikian, Boise State University. Costs & Incentives include the 16-hr course which is free, stipends of $200 will be offered to those who complete the course, one unit of PLU credit may be earned, and if a substitute teacher has to be hired so that the teacher can attend, the teacher’s school or school system may invoice GSU for reimbursement. Registration: Deadline August 25, 2008, although course may fill with qualified applicants before then. Please use form on the Bio-Bus website: http://www.biobus.gsu.edu/workshop/workshop/2008workshop.doc , or contact Genevieve Edwards, Bio-Bus Program Manager, Tel.: 404-413-5421, e-mail: biobus@gsu.edu. Please return forms by e-mail attachment, or by fax to 404-413-5301. Housing: If you need a place to stay overnight, Marriot's Residence Inn Atlanta Downtown at 134 Peachtree Street NW is within walking distance of the workshop, and is easily accessible by MARTA as well. They offer a Geogia State University rate. You can contact their GSU Sales Representative Michelle Carter at atldtsales@ih-corp.com. Ashanti Anderson
27.Southeast Bioenergy Conference University of Georgia’s Tifton Campus July 31 – August 2 (2 PLU’s):www.sebioenergy.org K-12 teachers are admitted for only $25 but must register at www.sebioenergy.org. Registration provides lunch on 2 days, snacks on 3 days, and great exposure to experts in the biofuels fields. This is a multi-state conference with presenters from all over the globe. Some topics for this year’s conference are:
Teaching About Green Energy
Legislative and Regulatory Issues
Energy Opportunities
Entrepreneurial Sessions such as from Coke to Ethanol & Vinod Khosla’s Range Fuels’ group
The Design Team Behind EcoManor – Laura Turner & Rutherford Seydel’s new energy efficient home
Teachers may attend special sessions for educators during breakout groups or can join other sessions of interest with public policy officials, scientists, etc. This is our 2nd conference on alternative energy solutions, and we just keep growing. Our website is updated weekly with more agenda items. To earn 2 PLU’s, teachers must bring a Prior Approval Form w/them which can be found at www.ugastars.org under Teachers/Professional Dev. Opportunities. Ashanti Anderson
The Museum of Science in Boston is one of the most amazing sciece museums I have ever experienced. That is what you do there, you experience science!! Every exhibit is hands on! It is an AMAZING place. Over the years they have offered many continuing education workshops aimed at science teachers. Some workshops are offered annully others are one time only events. One continuing education opportuinty that is offered each spring is the Symposium on Biotechnology Education. This is an all day event with a variety of workshops targeted to middle school, high school, and community college educators. Spring 2007 workshops included Robots vs, Disease: Modeling Biomedical research in your classroom, Stem Cells in the Classroom, Kinesthetic Modeling of Cellular Processes with Lego DNA, Moleculare Food Fight: Battling Cancer at eh Grocery Store, and more. Teacher are taught how to use inovative teaching techniques to bring todays science based world into the classrrom. Durring a free period you have the opportunity to hear speakers - 2007 topics included Stem Cells: Pluripotency and Nuclear aand Biotech and Nonotech: Where Small World Collide. If you would rather use your free time to mix and mingle and share ideas with other teachers they have an area set up for that with tables and coffee! The cost is $25.00 and this covers parking, lunch, and materials. Seeing the museum and experinceing this continuing education opportunity is definatly worth a trip to Boston!! Oh and there is a little History site seeing you might do while you are there too;-)
For more information log on to http://www.mos.org/educators/professional_development_and_events/professional_development Penni Johnson
29. [taken from website] COASTLINEs 2008 will provide participating classroom teachers with opportunities to work alongside scientists and resource managers to study coastal ecosystems and fisheries and the problems created by human impact on these systems. Eighteen elementary, middle and high school teachers will be selected to work alongside research scientists conducting field and laboratory research and analyzing results for comparative environmental assessment. Literature related to fisheries will serve as the backdrop for this course, as participants engage in salt marsh studies and barrier island explorations along the Georgia coast line. The focus of the workshop will be on estuarine-dependent fisheries (>70% of all fisheries) and the complex relationships associated with economic, environmental, conservation, and management issues. Classroom implementation and evaluation will be ensured through sustained contact via a partnership of graduate students working with veteran in-service teachers recruited from previous MECA workshops, and will be coordinated by UGA College of Education faculty.This is a residential program based at the Marine Extension Service’s Marine Education Center & Aquarium (MECA) on Skidaway Island, which will include sampling trips aboard the R/V (Research vessel) Sea Dawg, small boats, and the R/V Savannah. Instructors for the class will include education faculty from MECA and the UGA College of Education, scientists from the Marine Technology & Outreach Center, the Shellfish Research Lab, and research faculty from the Skidaway Institute of Oceanography. Participants will stay in MECA’s air-conditioned dormitory, and dine in our cafeteria. The Marine Education Center & Aquarium is located on Skidaway Island, near Savannah.This class is available for either 6 graduate credits through the University of Georgia’s College of Education, or 10 professional learning unit (PLU) credits through participants’ school district offices. Funding for this course is provided by the Georgia Teacher Quality Higher Education Program.I will probably be doing this program next summer because you can get 6 of your science graduate credits done in 2 weeks. You can also get PLUs if you need those instead. For more information, please call Bob Williams at (912) 598-2338 (or email: bobwms@uga.edu), or visit our website at http://www.marex.uga.edu/aquarium/TchWkspCL08.html. Potential graduate credit applicants should also contact Dr. Norm Thomson at (706) 542-4645 (or send email to nthomson@uga.edu). Amanda Mauldin
30. The Likin Lichen's Workshop is another good opportunity to get some real life science experience and earn PLUs at the same time. Here is the website: http://www.crms.uga.edu/lichen_workshop.htm For four years (2004-2008) CoPIs have conducted teacher quality improvement workshops on lichens, funded by the Improving Teacher Quality State Grant. As a result, 80 educators and their students have built a Georgia Lichen Database (www.georgialichens.org) of more than 3000 collections that is accessed online for classroom use. Based on post-workshop assessments, this has been highly successful and has vastly improving educators’ and students’ knowledge. In an effort to make tighter linkage to the Georgia Performance Standards (GPS) two curriculum specialists together with the CoPIs, designed seven classroom activities (kindergarten, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 8th, and two high schools) that utilize lichens and the Georgia Lichen Database to produce measurable improvements in student outcomes. The program will be offered for two years, 2008-2009 and 2009-2010. It will accomplish the following: 1) provided instructions for using the seven standards-based classroom activities with a cohort of 20 teachers each year, across elementary, middle and secondary levels, and 2) continue to build the Georgia Lichen Database for classroom use. In each year there will be a four day (Sunday – Wednesday) residential workshop in July, and two subsequently sustained contacts Saturdays, (one each in using pre-and post-testing, and focus groups. Successful Participants will earn 5 PLUs. Individual educators can participate one year only.
Contact:
Dr. Bob Hill
University of Georgia
850 College Station Road
Athens, GA 30602 bobhill@uga.edu
Telephone--706.542.4016
Fax—706.542.4024
Another opportunity provided by The Museum of Science in Boston is "Planning a Field Trip", and you don't have to go to boston to benifit from this program - it's all on line and it's FREE!! Have you heard about a great museum exhibition that is coming to your area and thought I would love to take my kids to that but you weren't quite sure how to go about setting up a program that would be educationally challenging and fun at the same time. Well, you are in luck because the Museum of Science in Boston has put togeter a progrom to help you be able to take advange of a great resource, a science museum. Go to http://www.mos.org/educators/field_trip_resources/plan_a_field_trip and there are step by step instructions on how to set goals for your field trip, planning your visit, creating templates and worksheets, even tips on how to handle a large group of 150 or more students. This web site is set up targeting the Museum of Science in Boston, but you can take the format of information present and apply it to virtually any museum. With a little leg work as to teh specifics of the exhibit you are going to view (which can be obtained from the web site of your local museum) you can follow their plan and have a meaningful experience for your students - they may have so much fun they don't realize they are learning!!
Penni Johnson
31. Here is another cool hands-on from ProjectWet. I almost did it but got too tied up with other things this year. I made a promise to myself that I would do it next year (we will see). Paddle Georgia 2008 on the Flint River!!!
They are offering 10 scholarships for teachers to participate in Paddle
Georgia 2008, a week-long canoe/kayak camping adventure on the Flint
River. Along the way, teachers will receive training in Project WET and
become certified as Georgia Adopt-A-Stream water monitors. Project WET
is a K-12 water education program consisting of over 90 classroom-ready
activities.
Adopt-A-Stream is Georgia's premier volunteer water monitoring program.
Certified instructors through Georgia's Environmental Protection
Division will conduct both workshops and each participant will receive 1
PLU for 10 hours of contact time as well as all Project WET curriculum
materials.
The full scholarships, made possible through funding by Oglethorpe
Power, Chattahoochee Nature Center and Georgia River Network will cover
the full cost of Paddle Georgia registration fees of $195.
To learn more about the scholarship program, contact Paddle Georgia
Coordinator Joe Cook at 706-235-1170 or via e-mail at jcook@coosa.org.
32. Here is another one for the outdoor enthusiast. I particularly enjoy these because they tend to be very intense multiday outdoor activities involving very rustic backcountry opportunities. After all we are science teachers and have the summer off. I prefer to spend them traveling the country/globe on my shoestring teacher's salary. The only downfall to this professional development accredited program through the Colorado School of Mines is the price. They include treks through the Colorado River and other awesome places that do come with a hefty price tag. Just don't take that hideous cruise to the Bahamas next year and you can afford it.
The program is called The Teacher Enhancement Program at the Colorado School of Mines. These CSM courses offer unique educational opportunities and practical hands-on experience. The courses are designed to provide valuable content through skilled instruction and an enjoyable educational environment. All courses are offered in cooperation with the Extended Studies Program of the Colorado Commission on Higher Education. I am not sure how difficult out-of-state professional development courses can be accepted by Georgia. I could not find any info on the subject. Perhaps anyone out there with public school experience (I work in private and haven’t needed CEUs yet) could let me know. It would be greatly appreciated. More information can be found at http://www.mines.edu/outreach/Cont_Ed/teacher.shtml Todd Shelnutt
33. If you are interested in “Tapping into Multiple Intelligences” and participating in a FREE and ONLINE workshop that will enable you to become adept in implementing lessons for your students which appeal to the multiple intelligences then you should visit http://www.thirteen.org/edonline/concept2class/mi/index.html. The workshop is provided by Concept to Classroom and is a production of Thirteen Ed Online. In addition to all this, you could possibly receive professional development credit for the course. A letter and accompanying information has already been drafted and is available for those who complete the workshop.
Gina Jones
34. There are always five questions Biology teachers ask. You asked, so here it is; this is for you!
What: The National Association for Biology Teachers's (NABT) professional development conference
When: Oct 15-18, 2008
Where: Memphis, TN (ok so you need a little gas money)
How: A Nobel Laureate, federal judge, and an award-winning filmmaker will all be contributors/speakers at this conference in addition to the sessions by leading teachers, a field trip, exhibitor demonstrations, poster sessions, and more.
Why: To augment knowledge on “Transforming Life Science Education”
For more information access http://www.nabt2008.org/sites/S6/index.php?p=563. or call 800-406-0775.
Gina Jones
35. Since several individuals expressed their desire for proficiency in implementing inquiry-based learning in their classrooms, I found another, yes, FREE and, yes, ONLINE workshop on inquiry-based learning. Also provided by Concept to Classroom, this workshop will enable you to become well-versed and equipped to use inquiry-based learning like nobody's business! And a plus, you could possibly receive professional development credit for completing the workshop. If interested, just go to http://www.thirteen.org/edonline/concept2class/inquiry/index.html to get started.
Gina Jones
36. The State Botanical Gardens, located in Athens, Georgia, offers several opportunities for teachers to attend workshops. "Teacher workshops are designed to train teachers in various areas of environmental education—and to provide them the resources and support to teach environmental education in their own schoolrooms and school sites. All workshops are designed to meet Georgia Performance Standards and most provide PLU credits. Most are funded in part by grants which help keep registration fees very affordable." Here is the website where you can see the different workshops offered and email them for more information: http://www.uga.edu/~botgarden/teacherworkshops.html.
Molly Johnson
37. Center for Ocean Sciences Education Excellence – SouthEast
COSEE SouthEast Mission:
"Spark and nurture collaborations among scientists and educators to advance ocean discovery and make known the vital role of the oceans in our lives."
June Coastal Legacy
Charleston, SC
Focus on water quality, coastal development and healthy ecosystems Coastal Legacy Flyer (PDF)
See the webstite for more information and an application packet
Molly Johnson
38-40: Sudha Kumar You get paid in one of these workshops.
38.Georgia Intern-Fellowships for teachers: http://www.ceismc.gatech.edu/gift/ Georgia Intern-Fellowships for Teachers (GIFT) is a collaborative effort designed to enhance mathematics and science experiences of Georgia teachers and their students. GIFT believes a significant way to impact our students is through its teachers. By offering business, industry, public science institute and research fellowships to teachers, GIFT provides educators first-hand exposure to the skills and knowledge necessary for the preparation of our future workforce: the students currently in Georgia’s classrooms. Meet current GIFT Program Manager Bonnie Harris on YouTube:**GIFT 2008 Greeting** See also a detailed video summary of the 2007 GIFT summer experience featuring former GIFT Program Director Donna Barrett:**GIFT 2007 Video** When does the GIFT program take place?
The teacher fellowships run from six to eight weeks during the summer. GIFT follows up with its teachers during the school year to provide support and oversee the transfer of the summer experience into the classroom. Where does GIFT take place?
GIFT takes place across Georgia, with concentrations in metro-Atlanta, Savannah, Macon, Augusta, Athens, Tifton and Albany; plus Georgia Power Plants across the state. Do teachers receive a stipend?
Teachers receive between $2500 and $5700 for their participation in the program, as well as 10 staff development units, upon completion of all program requirements.
39. http://www.coe.uga.edu/teacherquality/contact.html Teacher Quality Staff : Georgia’s Teacher Quality Higher Education Program is managed by the University of Georgia for the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia. During the fall of each year, a Request for Proposals (RFP) is sent out to higher education institutions across the State of Georgia as well as to many school systems and educational agencies for projects that are designed to enhance teaching of science, mathematics, language arts, reading, and social studies at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. The year’s RFP can be downloaded as a PDF file using the hot link below. **2008 Request for Proposals effective October 15, 2007**
Contact information is given in the website. (The project will have two PLU workshops on content update and three week summer workshop with the purpose of improving high school physics instruction ) Teacher Quality • 102 River's Crossing Bldg • 850 College Station Road • Athens, GA 30602
Phone: (706) 542-4043 • cthompso@uga.edu • Web Feedback 40. Education / Funding for Educators AAUW Eleanor Roosevelt Teacher Fellowships: Designed to provide professional development opportunities for women public school teachers; improve girls’ learning opportunities, especially in math, science, and technology; and promote equity and long-term change in classrooms, schools, and school systems. A range of program options allows flexible funding opportunities. http://www.aauw.org/3000/fdnfelgra/ertf.html
42.ASCI High School Science Teacher Summer Fellowship Program: Awards 10 high school science teachers with a $6,000 stipend to work in the laboratory of an ASCI sponsor, during which they receive instruction in state of the art techniques in the context of hands-on participation in a research project. In addition, teachers will attend workshops directed toward translating the summer research experience into effective classroom activities and to train teachers to become a training source for their peers. http://www.doe.mass.edu/tgfa/research.html
43. Echoing Green Foundation: The stipend serves as seed money to start a new public service organization or an independent project. The proposed project can be domestic or international. We do not limit our fields of interest, but support projects in all public service areas including, but not limited to, the environment, arts, education, health, youth service and development, civil and human rights, and community and economic development. http://www.echoinggreen.org/
44. Fulbright Scholarships: Give recent B.S./B.A. graduates, master’s and doctoral candidates, and young professionals and artists opportunities for personal development and international experience. Most grantees plan their own programs. Projects may include university coursework, independent library or field research, classes in a music conservatory or art school, special projects in the social or life sciences, or a combination. Teaching and business opportunities also available. http://www.iie.org/Template.cfm?section=Fulbright1fulbright/us/default.htm - types
45. * Most appropriate for Grades 9-12, but 4-8 Grade Educators are welcome to apply. [[http://www.geosc.psu.edu/2008ESST/%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3Cspan|http://www.geosc.psu.edu/2008ESST/]]Probing for innovative ways to teach science in your classroom? Investigating how to stay informed about the latest science research? Interested in increasing your science content knowledge?Science Workshops for Educators is the best way to meet these needs. Keep pace with the latest science research, engage in standards-based classroom activities and explore ways to make science fun as you work side by side with Penn State faculty in our workshops. You can enjoy summertime’s more leisurely pace on campus as you network with peers from across the country Graduate Credit and Act 48: All educators will receive 2 graduate credits for each course. Pennsylvania educators will also receive Act 48 hours. Workshop material is expected to be introduced into your classes the following year. Location : All workshops are held at Penn State University Park.
Modeling Workshops in summer 2008 are listed alphabetically by state. Most are 3-week workshops that thoroughly treat the pedagogy and content for the mechanics portion of a physics course. Content is reorganized around basic models to increase its structural coherence. Participants are supplied with a complete set of course materials and work through activities alternately in the roles of student or teacher, as they practice techniques of guided inquiry and cooperative learning. Teachers receive stipends and/or tuition waivers, instructional materials, sometimes free housing, etc., at most workshops. (State funded workshops provide these only for in-state teachers.) Generally, workshops use whatever probes and interfaces are available at the site.
A Modeling Workshop can be an excellent investment for your school because you can become a valuable resource for teaching science effectively with technology!
GEORGIA (received state funding)
Columbus High School, with Columbus State University
For Georgia Middle School science teachers
June 16-27, 2008
Content: energy, waves
Leaders: Janice Hudson, Kim Shaw, Zo Webster
Contact: Janice Hudson (HOW?)
American Chemical Society (ACS), Division of Chemical Education (DivCHED)
The Division of Chemical Education (DivCHED) is one of the 33 technical divisions within the American Chemical Society (ACS). Its members come from the entire educational spectrum (pre-secondary, secondary, two- and four-year colleges, universities, research institutions), and include those from industry who are concerned about the education and professional training of future chemists and other molecular scientists. DivCHED provides a common ground for teachers and students of chemistry to examine chemical education in its broadest sense through its committee and governance structure, website, Newsletter, programs at national and regional ACS meetings, the ACS Exams Institute, the Biennial Conference on Chemical Education (BCCE), and the premier journal in its field, the Journal of Chemical Education. (Is there a specific workshop here?)
Online Professional Development Courses for K-12 Educators
KDS provides dynamic online professional development courses for K-12 teachers to earn continuing education (CEUs), in-service, or graduate credit. Courses can be applied towards state license recertification, salary increase, and career advancement. KDS specializes in timely content in areas such as Differentiated Instruction, Classroom Management, and Special Education.
There are several ways in which KDS can customize a partnership with Education Service Agencies, education associations and teachers unions to best serve the professional development needs of teachers. KDS also works with educational partners to design online graduate courses and online Master’s of Education degree programs to reach an international audience. (This is a for-profit site; not really what we are looking for).
Sources for Continuing Education
There are thousands of opportunities for science teachers to participate in workshops and classes that broaden science knowledge, pedagogical knowledge, or both. Some offer graduate credit, others offer Continuing Education Units (CEU’s), and some will even pay you for participating. Many of them include outdoor adventures or exposure to new technology or exciting lab experiences. On this page, you will find a sample of the opportunities available.
1. Zoo Atlanta offers periodic workshops for which PLU's can be earned. Some of these workshops are free and others charge a fee. Recently a free workshop was offered on animal behavior. Another workshop is currently being offered on animal habitats around the world. The workshops include interaction with animals and a behind the scenes look at the zoo. Check out the following site periodically to see what is being offered or call the listed number. http://www.zooatlanta.org/education_staff_development.htm.
2. There is a wonderful GA Department of Education webpage that gives a ton of opportunities and workshops that teachers can use to advance their professional learning, which I'll put at the end of my second post. The Georgia Aquarium offers the Remote Operated Vehicle Workshop where teachers will learn and be introduced to using an ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle). Teachers will be introduced to the technology behind ROVs and how they are used to explore and research the ocean floor. Teachers will also get to build a ROV out of PVC pipe and test it in a marine setting. The workshop will also focus on encorporating the technology and its future in a high school classroom. The workshop is worth 1 PLU (professional learning unit) and the course ID is D983DA-BF92. The course is held in a classroom at the Ga Aquarium. The category for the workshop is Science and the content is Middle grades and Secondary. Contact info: Mrs. Kimberely Morris- Zarneke email: kzarneke@georgiaaquarium.org
3. At Gwinnett Southern University - College of Education, they offer a workshop called "Teaching with CBL Technology in High School and Middle School Science Classes". The workshop incorporates activities that involve using CBL technology (Computer/Calculator based laboratories) in science classrooms. Some activities will be teahcer demonstration and some activities will be hands-on activities. Both the chemistry and physical science GPS will be addressed in the workshop. The workshop is focused towards high school teachers but since physical science is taught in middle schools, middle school science teachers are welcome as well and biology and physics will be addressed if time permits. The category for the class is science and the content is focused toward middle school and high school teachers. The course ID is F69171-7007 and it is worth 3 Professional Learning Units. The class takes place in a classroom setting at Georgia Southern in Statesboro. Contact info: The program director is Mary Egger and her email is megger@georgiasouthern.edu. The website where I found this is: http://admin.doe.k12.ga.us/gadoe/StaffDev.nsf/MainFrameWeb?OpenFrameset
4. At University of Georgia. Offers a variety of courses online geared toward those that may be struggling with disciplinary problems or difficult kids in the classroom. For K-13 general or special education teachers. The independent study format allows you to start at any time and study at your convenience. Successfull completion of each course yields 1 CEU from the University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education as well as 1 PLU from the Dept. of Education, College of Education, UGA. Go to: http://www.georgiacenter.uga.edu/is/coe/index.phtml or call 706-542-6692.
5. Annenberg Media exhibits offers a wide variety of workshops based on their video programs. Annenberg Media is a unit of The Annenberg Foundation. Their mission is to advance excellent teaching in all disciplines throughout American K-12 schools. Former names of Annenberg Media are: Annenberg/CPB, The Annenberg/CPB Project, and The Annenberg/CPB Math and Science Project. Their mission is pursued by funding and broadly distributing multimedia resources for teachers to help them improve their own teaching practice and understanding of their subject. Annenberg Media makes use of telecommunications technologies—the Internet, including broadband video streaming, and satellite television broadcast—as well as hard copy media to disseminate these multimedia resources, ensuring that they reach as many teachers as possible. http://www.learner.org/exhibits/.
6. Agnes Scott College is offering a Middle Grades Science workshop this summer. From their website, you can see how this workshop will promote academic learning in the GPS, develop assessment tools, take home lesson plans, and become familiar with technology in the classroom. There is a fee to attend but there is also a stipend available on certain conditions. This exact workshop is currently filled, but they host these all the time. If you want information on the next workshop, please contact them at 404 471-5800, or send e-mails to sciencecenter@agnesscott.edu.
7. The North West Georgia Regional Education Service Agency is committed to providing professional learning that is results-driven, standards-based, and job embedded. Professional learning opportunities focus on improved instruction of our teachers by setting high expectations and standards for the academic and social development of all students. Classes cover topics in assessment, leadership and curriculum, as well as some specific endorsements (ESOL, etc.). http://www.ciclt.net/nwgaresa/main.asp?PT=pl_main&Client=nwgaresa or 7062956198.
8. Project WET Educator Workshops are for all teachers who are interested in bringing environmental education into the classroom. These Workshops can be scheduled upon request by contacting the WET Facilitator nearest you (Facilitator Map). The minimum length of a workshop for certification is 6 hours, but 10 hour workshops are available offering 1 PLU. Registration includes the Project WET Curriculum and Activity Guide, hands-on experience with the activities, and many ideas for implementation.
9. Project Learning Tree Workshops are designed to prepare teacher's for further instruction on the topics enviornmental awareness. These workshops are very similar to Project WET, except their main emphasis is on forests, wildlife, water, community planning, waste management, and energy. This program is for grade levels K-12 and can be scheduled by contacting your states PLT Coordinator. For the Georgia Representative, contact Sharon Dolliver dolliver@gfc.state.ga.us or Carla Rapp carla@gfagrow.org for more details.
10. The Georgia Educational Training Agency (GETA) has a number of opportunities to earn PLU credit. This site works in conjunction with the Georgia Department of Education to provide instructional activities and strategies to better prepare Georgia students. Here, teachers and parents, can sign up for classes to better assist them in the educationg of their students. Teachers can earn PLU credit for a variety of courses including Teaching students with Dyslexia and ADHD and learning the new GPS standards. For more information visit the GETA Website or checkout some PLU courses at their variousNORTH GEORGIA PLU CLASS SITES page.
11. Each spring, a three-year partnership is established between NASA and 50 new NASA Explorer School teams, consisting of teachers and education administrators from diverse communities across the country.NASA invites the selected teams to work with education specialists from NASA centers in an effort to spark innovative science and mathematics instruction for students in grades 4 through 9. NASA Explorer School teams will acquire new teaching resources and technology tools using NASA's unique content, experts and other resources -- to provide exciting learning experiences in science, mathematics and technology for students. They even have grant funds to help funding of the schools new technology.
For more information about the Explorer Schools program visit http://explorerschools.nasa.gov.
12. The National Science Teacher Association has conferences each year and they are available in the southern area. The next southern conference will be held in Charlotte, NC Oct 30- Nov 1 of 2008. These conferences provide teachers with access to presentations, hands on workshops, and so much more. They even have a workshop for first time teachers. It would be of great advantage if you were already a member because it would save you a lot of money. The main conferences page will lead you to the information you need on a particular conference. If you need more help, e-mail conferences@nsta.org or call Beverly Shaw at 703-312-923 or go to www.nsta.org
16. This workshop is offered by the metro RESA. This particular one is about strategies that engage students in reading and writing to comprehend content area. I think we all have found how difficult this issue is to deal with. I think it would be very beneficial. You could go to the list of professional development to see what other workshops interest you. There are some really good ones on classroom management and practice in there. You can visit this website to find out more: http://www.ciclt.net/mresa/main.asp?PT=class_list&Client=mresa . Also if the metro RESA is not one that works for you, you can go to this site http://www.doe.k12.ga.us/tss_school_prolearning.aspx?PageReq=TSSSchoolImpPLRESAS. This is from the Georgia Department of Education and it lists of the different RESA in different areas.
17. This one is a really neat page also from the Department of Education, but specifically their office of professional learning. These are all approved PLU courses, so you don't have to worry about liking a course and not being able to take it because you won't get credit. If you have a particular area of interest you can do a search and find the courses offered. There are several options to narrow down your search. Here is the site http://admin.doe.k12.ga.us/gadoe/StaffDev.nsf/MainFrameWeb?OpenFrameset
18. These workshops are offered by Penn State and NASA. The offer them every summer and are middle and high school teachers. The one that caught my eye was "Evolution-How important is it to Good Science Eduction?" The dates for this are July 22-27th. It seems like it might be little pricey but the do have funding that you can apply for. The workshop is set up to answer the following questions: What is our current understanding and evidence for the theory of evolution? How is evolution central to scientific research? Why is understanding evolution important for a scientifically literate society? and How should teachers address challenges to teaching evolution? If you wnat more info check out this site http://teachscience.psu.edu/.
19. The GSTA (Georgia Science Teachers Association) will hold its annual conference on February 14th-16th. It takes place at UGA and from I have heard is a wonderful event. There are fieldtrips, socials, and conference events. For more info go to this website http://www.georgiascienceteacher.org/.
20. The Georgia Institute of Technology has a wonderful program geared for minority students looking to get into the Math and Sciences, entitled "SECME." Look into the Master Teacher Appointments slated for this month and next. The SECME program has in the past sponsored "paid" teacher workshops and seminars. The website is http://www.secme.org/home/index.html. The address is Georgia Institute of Technology, 151 6th Street NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30332-0270. The phone number is 404 894-3314 or toll free 1888-262-8307. Karen M. Franklin
21. The Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey, California has Educator Programs with stipends and CEU's available. The programs use real world sciences (the Pacific is inches away) and cutting edge research. To register for the program call 831-648-4862 or write to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940. I visited the aquarium and there is a wonderful winery within walking distance. Karen M. Franklin
22. The webpage http://www.nsta.org/pd/institute is through the National Science Teachers Association and provides links to the following four providers of online courses: American Museum of Natural History Seminars on Science, Mississippi State University, Montana State University (NTEN), University of Maryland. These courses are geared towards science teachers and offer graduate credits, graduate degrees and CEU's. The courses cover all areas of science ranging from biology and chemistry courses at University of Maryland to a six week course covering life, earth and physical sciences through the AMNHSS. CHRISTINA CLAUSEN
23. The following are two up coming workshops through Metro RESA and you may go to www.mresa.org to register for either one:
Best Practices in Science with a focus on Differentiation (6-12) 7/29 & 7/30 @ Metro RESA, 2 PLU's, Cost is $50 (includes resource book and notebook)
8th Grade Physical Science Boot Camp 7/31 & 8/1 @ Metro RESA, 2 PLU's, Cost is $75 (includes 2 resource books)
CHRISTINA CLAUSEN
24. The Georgia Forestry Foundation offers a workshop for Georgia educators, grades 5-12, based on conservation of Georgia’s forests. While there is a small registration fee of $25, participants receive 3 PLU credits and a $100 gift card (place not specified). The $25 is used to cover participants lodging, food, instructional materials, and transportation to the field trip sites. For more information, you can open a PDF file or by contacting Carla Rapp at 478-992-8110 or carla@gfagrow.org. The main website for the association is www.gfagrow.org.
Jennifer Peace
25. GIFT (Georgia Intern-Fellowships for Teachers) is a program operated by Georgia Tech. The opportunity may be anywhere from six to eight weeks, depending on the program. For the Summer of 2008, GIFT joined with Gwinnett Tech to offer internships for teachers to work in labs. This particular opportunity offered 10 professional learning units and a stipend of $728 per week. For more information, you can go to the GIFT webpage or contact the Program Coordinator, Bonnie Harris, at 404-894-7530 or by e-mail at bonnie.harris@ceismc.gatech.edu.
Jennifer Peace
26. Georgia State University’s Bio-Bus Program offers a two day teacher workshop entitled Forensic Science and Molecular Biology.
The dates for the workshop are September 15-16 a Monday and Tuesday from 8:30-5:00pm. The topics that will be covered include
- Classroom Crime Scenes: how to set one up
- Bio-Rad Kits:
- Genes in a Bottle
- ELISA Immuno Explorer
- Forensic DNA Fingerprinting;
- Crime Science Investigator PCR Basics
- Protein Profiler
- Forensic DNA Case examples (Dr. Greg Hampikian)
The location will be at Georgia State University, Room 334 of the Natural Science Center, (50 Decatur Street, Atlanta) The instructors will be Dr. Sherri Andrews, Bio-Rad, Ms. Jane Burke, Luella High School and Dr. Greg Hampikian, Boise State University. Costs & Incentives include the 16-hr course which is free, stipends of $200 will be offered to those who complete the course, one unit of PLU credit may be earned, and if a substitute teacher has to be hired so that the teacher can attend, the teacher’s school or school system may invoice GSU for reimbursement.Registration: Deadline August 25, 2008, although course may fill with qualified applicants before then. Please use form on the Bio-Bus website: http://www.biobus.gsu.edu/workshop/workshop/2008workshop.doc , or contact Genevieve Edwards, Bio-Bus Program Manager, Tel.: 404-413-5421, e-mail: biobus@gsu.edu. Please return forms by e-mail attachment, or by fax to 404-413-5301.
Housing: If you need a place to stay overnight, Marriot's Residence Inn Atlanta Downtown at 134 Peachtree Street NW is within walking distance of the workshop, and is easily accessible by MARTA as well. They offer a Geogia State University rate. You can contact their GSU Sales Representative Michelle Carter at atldtsales@ih-corp.com. Ashanti Anderson
27. Southeast Bioenergy Conference University of Georgia’s Tifton Campus July 31 – August 2 (2 PLU’s): www.sebioenergy.org
K-12 teachers are admitted for only $25 but must register at www.sebioenergy.org. Registration provides lunch on 2 days, snacks on 3 days, and great exposure to experts in the biofuels fields. This is a multi-state conference with presenters from all over the globe. Some topics for this year’s conference are:
Teachers may attend special sessions for educators during breakout groups or can join other sessions of interest with public policy officials, scientists, etc. This is our 2nd conference on alternative energy solutions, and we just keep growing. Our website is updated weekly with more agenda items. To earn 2 PLU’s, teachers must bring a Prior Approval Form w/them which can be found at www.ugastars.org under Teachers/Professional Dev. Opportunities. Ashanti Anderson
For more information log on to http://www.mos.org/educators/professional_development_and_events/professional_development
Penni Johnson
29. [taken from website] COASTLINEs 2008 will provide participating classroom teachers with opportunities to work alongside scientists and resource managers to study coastal ecosystems and fisheries and the problems created by human impact on these systems. Eighteen elementary, middle and high school teachers will be selected to work alongside research scientists conducting field and laboratory research and analyzing results for comparative environmental assessment. Literature related to fisheries will serve as the backdrop for this course, as participants engage in salt marsh studies and barrier island explorations along the Georgia coast line. The focus of the workshop will be on estuarine-dependent fisheries (>70% of all fisheries) and the complex relationships associated with economic, environmental, conservation, and management issues. Classroom implementation and evaluation will be ensured through sustained contact via a partnership of graduate students working with veteran in-service teachers recruited from previous MECA workshops, and will be coordinated by UGA College of Education faculty.This is a residential program based at the Marine Extension Service’s Marine Education Center & Aquarium (MECA) on Skidaway Island, which will include sampling trips aboard the R/V (Research vessel) Sea Dawg, small boats, and the R/V Savannah. Instructors for the class will include education faculty from MECA and the UGA College of Education, scientists from the Marine Technology & Outreach Center, the Shellfish Research Lab, and research faculty from the Skidaway Institute of Oceanography. Participants will stay in MECA’s air-conditioned dormitory, and dine in our cafeteria. The Marine Education Center & Aquarium is located on Skidaway Island, near Savannah.This class is available for either 6 graduate credits through the University of Georgia’s College of Education, or 10 professional learning unit (PLU) credits through participants’ school district offices. Funding for this course is provided by the Georgia Teacher Quality Higher Education Program.I will probably be doing this program next summer because you can get 6 of your science graduate credits done in 2 weeks. You can also get PLUs if you need those instead. For more information, please call Bob Williams at (912) 598-2338 (or email: bobwms@uga.edu), or visit our website at http://www.marex.uga.edu/aquarium/TchWkspCL08.html. Potential graduate credit applicants should also contact Dr. Norm Thomson at (706) 542-4645 (or send email to nthomson@uga.edu). Amanda Mauldin
30. The Likin Lichen's Workshop is another good opportunity to get some real life science experience and earn PLUs at the same time. Here is the website: http://www.crms.uga.edu/lichen_workshop.htm
For four years (2004-2008) CoPIs have conducted teacher quality improvement workshops on lichens, funded by the Improving Teacher Quality State Grant. As a result, 80 educators and their students have built a Georgia Lichen Database (www.georgialichens.org) of more than 3000 collections that is accessed online for classroom use. Based on post-workshop assessments, this has been highly successful and has vastly improving educators’ and students’ knowledge. In an effort to make tighter linkage to the Georgia Performance Standards (GPS) two curriculum specialists together with the CoPIs, designed seven classroom activities (kindergarten, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 8th, and two high schools) that utilize lichens and the Georgia Lichen Database to produce measurable improvements in student outcomes. The program will be offered for two years, 2008-2009 and 2009-2010. It will accomplish the following: 1) provided instructions for using the seven standards-based classroom activities with a cohort of 20 teachers each year, across elementary, middle and secondary levels, and 2) continue to build the Georgia Lichen Database for classroom use. In each year there will be a four day (Sunday – Wednesday) residential workshop in July, and two subsequently sustained contacts Saturdays, (one each in using pre-and post-testing, and focus groups. Successful Participants will earn 5 PLUs. Individual educators can participate one year only.
Contact:
Dr. Bob Hill
University of Georgia
850 College Station Road
Athens, GA 30602
bobhill@uga.edu
Telephone--706.542.4016
Fax—706.542.4024
You can also view most of the teacher workshops available in the state of Georgia at this website:
http://www.coe.uga.edu/teacherquality/2008_09_teach_dev_opportunities.html
Amanda Mauldin
Another opportunity provided by The Museum of Science in Boston is "Planning a Field Trip", and you don't have to go to boston to benifit from this program - it's all on line and it's FREE!! Have you heard about a great museum exhibition that is coming to your area and thought I would love to take my kids to that but you weren't quite sure how to go about setting up a program that would be educationally challenging and fun at the same time. Well, you are in luck because the Museum of Science in Boston has put togeter a progrom to help you be able to take advange of a great resource, a science museum. Go to http://www.mos.org/educators/field_trip_resources/plan_a_field_trip and there are step by step instructions on how to set goals for your field trip, planning your visit, creating templates and worksheets, even tips on how to handle a large group of 150 or more students. This web site is set up targeting the Museum of Science in Boston, but you can take the format of information present and apply it to virtually any museum. With a little leg work as to teh specifics of the exhibit you are going to view (which can be obtained from the web site of your local museum) you can follow their plan and have a meaningful experience for your students - they may have so much fun they don't realize they are learning!!
Penni Johnson
31. Here is another cool hands-on from ProjectWet. I almost did it but got too tied up with other things this year. I made a promise to myself that I would do it next year (we will see). Paddle Georgia 2008 on the Flint River!!!
They are offering 10 scholarships for teachers to participate in Paddle
Georgia 2008, a week-long canoe/kayak camping adventure on the Flint
River. Along the way, teachers will receive training in Project WET and
become certified as Georgia Adopt-A-Stream water monitors. Project WET
is a K-12 water education program consisting of over 90 classroom-ready
activities.
Adopt-A-Stream is Georgia's premier volunteer water monitoring program.
Certified instructors through Georgia's Environmental Protection
Division will conduct both workshops and each participant will receive 1
PLU for 10 hours of contact time as well as all Project WET curriculum
materials.
The full scholarships, made possible through funding by Oglethorpe
Power, Chattahoochee Nature Center and Georgia River Network will cover
the full cost of Paddle Georgia registration fees of $195.
To learn more about the scholarship program, contact Paddle Georgia
Coordinator Joe Cook at 706-235-1170 or via e-mail at jcook@coosa.org.
Applications can be accessed from a link on the Paddle Georgia home page
at: http://www.garivers.org/paddle_georgia/pghome.html</span>
Todd Shelnutt
32.
Here is another one for the outdoor enthusiast. I particularly enjoy these because they tend to be very intense multiday outdoor activities involving very rustic backcountry opportunities. After all we are science teachers and have the summer off. I prefer to spend them traveling the country/globe on my shoestring teacher's salary. The only downfall to this professional development accredited program through the Colorado School of Mines is the price. They include treks through the Colorado River and other awesome places that do come with a hefty price tag. Just don't take that hideous cruise to the Bahamas next year and you can afford it.
The program is called The Teacher Enhancement Program at the Colorado School of Mines. These CSM courses offer unique educational opportunities and practical hands-on experience. The courses are designed to provide valuable content through skilled instruction and an enjoyable educational environment.
All courses are offered in cooperation with the Extended Studies Program of the Colorado Commission on Higher Education. I am not sure how difficult out-of-state professional development courses can be accepted by Georgia. I could not find any info on the subject. Perhaps anyone out there with public school experience (I work in private and haven’t needed CEUs yet) could let me know. It would be greatly appreciated.
More information can be found at http://www.mines.edu/outreach/Cont_Ed/teacher.shtml
Todd Shelnutt
33. If you are interested in “Tapping into Multiple Intelligences” and participating in a FREE and ONLINE workshop that will enable you to become adept in implementing lessons for your students which appeal to the multiple intelligences then you should visit http://www.thirteen.org/edonline/concept2class/mi/index.html. The workshop is provided by Concept to Classroom and is a production of Thirteen Ed Online. In addition to all this, you could possibly receive professional development credit for the course. A letter and accompanying information has already been drafted and is available for those who complete the workshop.
Gina Jones
34. There are always five questions Biology teachers ask. You asked, so here it is; this is for you!
What: The National Association for Biology Teachers's (NABT) professional development conference
When: Oct 15-18, 2008
Where: Memphis, TN (ok so you need a little gas money)
How: A Nobel Laureate, federal judge, and an award-winning filmmaker will all be contributors/speakers at this conference in addition to the sessions by leading teachers, a field trip, exhibitor demonstrations, poster sessions, and more.
Why: To augment knowledge on “Transforming Life Science Education”
For more information access http://www.nabt2008.org/sites/S6/index.php?p=563. or call 800-406-0775.
Gina Jones
35. Since several individuals expressed their desire for proficiency in implementing inquiry-based learning in their classrooms, I found another, yes, FREE and, yes, ONLINE workshop on inquiry-based learning. Also provided by Concept to Classroom, this workshop will enable you to become well-versed and equipped to use inquiry-based learning like nobody's business! And a plus, you could possibly receive professional development credit for completing the workshop. If interested, just go to http://www.thirteen.org/edonline/concept2class/inquiry/index.html to get started.
Gina Jones
36. The State Botanical Gardens, located in Athens, Georgia, offers several opportunities for teachers to attend workshops. "Teacher workshops are designed to train teachers in various areas of environmental education—and to provide them the resources and support to teach environmental education in their own schoolrooms and school sites. All workshops are designed to meet Georgia Performance Standards and most provide PLU credits. Most are funded in part by grants which help keep registration fees very affordable." Here is the website where you can see the different workshops offered and email them for more information: http://www.uga.edu/~botgarden/teacherworkshops.html.
Molly Johnson
37. Center for Ocean Sciences Education Excellence – SouthEast
COSEE SouthEast Mission:
"Spark and nurture collaborations among scientists and educators to advance ocean discovery and make known the vital role of the oceans in our lives."
June Coastal Legacy
Charleston, SC
Focus on water quality, coastal development and healthy ecosystems
Coastal Legacy Flyer (PDF)
See the webstite for more information and an application packet
Molly Johnson
38-40: Sudha Kumar You get paid in one of these workshops.
38.Georgia Intern-Fellowships for teachers: http://www.ceismc.gatech.edu/gift/ Georgia Intern-Fellowships for Teachers (GIFT) is a collaborative effort designed to enhance mathematics and science experiences of Georgia teachers and their students. GIFT believes a significant way to impact our students is through its teachers. By offering business, industry, public science institute and research fellowships to teachers, GIFT provides educators first-hand exposure to the skills and knowledge necessary for the preparation of our future workforce: the students currently in Georgia’s classrooms.
Meet current GIFT Program Manager Bonnie Harris on YouTube: **GIFT 2008 Greeting** See also a detailed video summary of the 2007 GIFT summer experience featuring former GIFT Program Director Donna Barrett: **GIFT 2007 Video**
When does the GIFT program take place?
The teacher fellowships run from six to eight weeks during the summer. GIFT follows up with its teachers during the school year to provide support and oversee the transfer of the summer experience into the classroom.
Where does GIFT take place?
GIFT takes place across Georgia, with concentrations in metro-Atlanta, Savannah, Macon, Augusta, Athens, Tifton and Albany; plus Georgia Power Plants across the state.
Do teachers receive a stipend?
Teachers receive between $2500 and $5700 for their participation in the program, as well as 10 staff development units, upon completion of all program requirements.
39. http://www.coe.uga.edu/teacherquality/contact.html
Teacher Quality Staff : Georgia’s Teacher Quality Higher Education Program is managed by the University of Georgia for the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia. During the fall of each year, a Request for Proposals (RFP) is sent out to higher education institutions across the State of Georgia as well as to many school systems and educational agencies for projects that are designed to enhance teaching of science, mathematics, language arts, reading, and social studies at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. The year’s RFP can be downloaded as a PDF file using the hot link below.
**2008 Request for Proposals effective October 15, 2007**
Contact information is given in the website. (The project will have two PLU workshops on content update and three week summer workshop with the purpose of improving high school physics instruction )
Teacher Quality • 102 River's Crossing Bldg • 850 College Station Road • Athens, GA 30602
Phone: (706) 542-4043 • cthompso@uga.edu • Web Feedback
40. Education / Funding for Educators
AAUW Eleanor Roosevelt Teacher Fellowships: Designed to provide professional development opportunities for women public school teachers; improve girls’ learning opportunities, especially in math, science, and technology; and promote equity and long-term change in classrooms, schools, and school systems. A range of program options allows flexible funding opportunities.
http://www.aauw.org/3000/fdnfelgra/ertf.html
41. Gates, Bill and Melinda Foundation: Scholarships for high school, undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, and graduate students.
http://www.gatesfoundation.org/education/scholarships/default.htm
42.ASCI High School Science Teacher Summer Fellowship Program: Awards 10 high school science teachers with a $6,000 stipend to work in the laboratory of an ASCI sponsor, during which they receive instruction in state of the art techniques in the context of hands-on participation in a research project. In addition, teachers will attend workshops directed toward translating the summer research experience into effective classroom activities and to train teachers to become a training source for their peers.
http://www.doe.mass.edu/tgfa/research.html
43. Echoing Green Foundation: The stipend serves as seed money to start a new public service organization or an independent project. The proposed project can be domestic or international. We do not limit our fields of interest, but support projects in all public service areas including, but not limited to, the environment, arts, education, health, youth service and development, civil and human rights, and community and economic development.
http://www.echoinggreen.org/
44. Fulbright Scholarships: Give recent B.S./B.A. graduates, master’s and doctoral candidates, and young professionals and artists opportunities for personal development and international experience. Most grantees plan their own programs. Projects may include university coursework, independent library or field research, classes in a music conservatory or art school, special projects in the social or life sciences, or a combination. Teaching and business opportunities also available.
http://www.iie.org/Template.cfm?section=Fulbright1fulbright/us/default.htm - types
45. * Most appropriate for Grades 9-12, but 4-8 Grade Educators are welcome to apply. [[http://www.geosc.psu.edu/2008ESST/%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3Cspan|http://www.geosc.psu.edu/2008ESST/]]Probing for innovative ways to teach science in your classroom? Investigating how to stay informed about the latest science research? Interested in increasing your science content knowledge?Science Workshops for Educators is the best way to meet these needs. Keep pace with the latest science research, engage in standards-based classroom activities and explore ways to make science fun as you work side by side with Penn State faculty in our workshops. You can enjoy summertime’s more leisurely pace on campus as you network with peers from across the country
Graduate Credit and Act 48: All educators will receive 2 graduate credits for each course. Pennsylvania educators will also receive Act 48 hours. Workshop material is expected to be introduced into your classes the following year.
Location : All workshops are held at Penn State University Park.
46.(saltaformaggio: taken from web site: http://modeling.asu.edu/MW_nation.html) Modeling Instruction Workshops for Summer 2008
Modeling Workshops in summer 2008 are listed alphabetically by state. Most are 3-week workshops that thoroughly treat the pedagogy and content for the mechanics portion of a physics course. Content is reorganized around basic models to increase its structural coherence. Participants are supplied with a complete set of course materials and work through activities alternately in the roles of student or teacher, as they practice techniques of guided inquiry and cooperative learning. Teachers receive stipends and/or tuition waivers, instructional materials, sometimes free housing, etc., at most workshops. (State funded workshops provide these only for in-state teachers.) Generally, workshops use whatever probes and interfaces are available at the site.
A Modeling Workshop can be an excellent investment for your school because you can become a valuable resource for teaching science effectively with technology!
GEORGIA (received state funding)
Columbus High School, with Columbus State University
For Georgia Middle School science teachers
June 16-27, 2008
Content: energy, waves
Leaders: Janice Hudson, Kim Shaw, Zo Webster
Contact: Janice Hudson (HOW?)
47. (saltaformaggio from website: (http://www.divched.org)
American Chemical Society (ACS), Division of Chemical Education (DivCHED)
The Division of Chemical Education (DivCHED) is one of the 33 technical divisions within the American Chemical Society (ACS). Its members come from the entire educational spectrum (pre-secondary, secondary, two- and four-year colleges, universities, research institutions), and include those from industry who are concerned about the education and professional training of future chemists and other molecular scientists. DivCHED provides a common ground for teachers and students of chemistry to examine chemical education in its broadest sense through its committee and governance structure, website, Newsletter, programs at national and regional ACS meetings, the ACS Exams Institute, the Biennial Conference on Chemical Education (BCCE), and the premier journal in its field, the Journal of Chemical Education. (Is there a specific workshop here?)
48. (saltaformaggio from website: http://www.kdsi.org)
Online Professional Development Courses for K-12 Educators
KDS provides dynamic online professional development courses for K-12 teachers to earn continuing education (CEUs), in-service, or graduate credit. Courses can be applied towards state license recertification, salary increase, and career advancement. KDS specializes in timely content in areas such as Differentiated Instruction, Classroom Management, and Special Education.
There are several ways in which KDS can customize a partnership with Education Service Agencies, education associations and teachers unions to best serve the professional development needs of teachers. KDS also works with educational partners to design online graduate courses and online Master’s of Education degree programs to reach an international audience. (This is a for-profit site; not really what we are looking for).
catalogue: http://kdsi.org/ecom/Documents/KDS2008Library.pdf